Here’s Where ESPN Ranks Clemson’s ‘Future Offense’

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates his seventy-four yard touchdown throw during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Over the past few years, the Clemson Tigers have produced a plethora of great prospects on the defensive side of the football. While that trend isn’t slowing down at all, it’s time to divert some of that attention toward the offense.

Last season, the Tigers won the College Football Playoff behind the marvelous play of Trevor Lawrence. The freshman quarterback is on track to be a first-round pick in the future, which means more experience at Clemson should help his development.

In addition to Clemson having Lawrence for this upcoming season, the defending champions will also have Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross. Let’s not forget that Dabo Swinney is still coaching this powerhouse program.

With the college football season approaching soon enough, ESPN writer Adam Rittenberg ranked the top “future offenses” in the country.

After ranking Clemson as the No. 2 future offense last year, Rittenberg has bumped them up to the top spot, thanks to the plethora of talent on the team now, and that Swinney has coming in over the next few years.

This was a fairly easy choice, mainly because Trevor Lawrence will lead the unit for two more seasons. Clemson has also established itself as the nation’s premier wide receiver program, and while the legendary Hunter Renfrow departs, standouts such as Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are back. The Tigers get 1,600-yard rusher Travis Etienne for at least one more season, and Lyn-J Dixon is only a sophomore. Offensive line recruitment and development has steadily improved at Clemson, which loses standout tackle Mitch Hyatt but should be in good shape. Clemson’s overall recruiting on offense is virtually unmatched nationally.

It makes sense that Clemson is first in these rankings, especially with its offensive stars back in the fold.

The full rankings from Rittenberg can be viewed with an ESPN+ subscription.